Let’s consider some of the biggest objections which have been raised:
1. The adaption wasn't faithful enough.
When news first hit that Deadpool had been made into the character "Weapon XI", I was furious. I thought it was the worst decision they could possibly make. But you know what? It was actually a great move. Not only does it explain why Deadpool is all scarred up for his own spin-off (thus hiding himself behind the mask and costume), it explains why he actually has the name “Deadpool”.
The thing to remember is that they didn’t actually explain ‘why’ Wade turned to the Weapon XI program. He may have been forced into it...but if you remember the comics, he turns to the program in the hope of curing his cancer. In the process he is horribly disfigured but left with a healing ability almost equal to that of Wolverine’s. What if this is the reason Wade turned to it in the movie?
Deadpool aside, there weren't that many other points of contention. Apart from Silver Fox being Emma’s sister, and Sabretooth being Wolverine’s brother (which is hinted at in the comics a few times) they really did stick to the source material pretty well. One thing I will say is this: If you really have a problem with how far the movie strayed from the comics, take a good look at the first three! This movie was more faithful than all of them!
2. The special effects were bad.
This objection is simply unjustified, and I can only assume it's rooted with the "fans” who watched the leaked version without the complete SFX.
In the final version of the film, I can assure you that the special effects were amazing. There were two dodgy scenes in the movie: the barn scene, and the bathroom scene, where Wolverine’s claws did look imposed. But those aside, Wraith’s powers were portrayed brilliantly, as were Blob’s, and Gambit’s...well Gambit’s were phenomenal! His fight with Wolverine in that alleyway, where he displays the pure awesomeness of his powers, is the best fight scene in the whole movie, if not in the whole franchise.
The last thing to mention in regards to effects is the epic fight on top of the reactor between Weapon X and Weapon XI. Weapon XI gradually showing Wolverine that he could match him in every way with his powers, and then on top of that using Wraith’s ability to teleport, and Cyclops optic blasts - it really was brilliant.
3. The plot was put together badly.
In my opinion, the plot, like many other features of this movie, was just as good, if not better than the plot in X2. I loved the fact that we were given a glimpse of the young Wolverine and Sabretooth right at the beginning. In an instance, it shows the pattern which would emerge throughout the whole film, with the rivalry, yet loving relationship between the brothers.
Wolverine’s time on Team X was vital to the plot. It introduced us to all of the characters which would subsequently be killed off by Sabretooth for their DNA, and showed us the true nature of Wolverine. Unlike his brother, he does have a conscience. He knows all to well that the killing of innocents is wrong.
His time with Silver Fox in the mountains also shows us something extremely important – the fact that he longs for a normal life, but knows in his heart that it will never been possible. And the teasing of Weapon XI throughout, with all the subtle nods to what was to come at the end, kept things really, really interesting.
Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber deliver on all fronts, as do the rest of the cast. I think Emma Frost and Scott Summers could have been portrayed slightly better, but whatever, they were in it for what...5 minutes?
The Easter Eggs throughout were brilliant. Quicksilver, Toad, and even Professor X! They de-aged Patrick Stewart very effectively again, and in spite of what people are saying, it was not overkill! It was a perfect touch.
The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and the CGI and special effects made it really, really realistic. It tied in perfectly with the next three movies, with almost no plot holes whatsoever.
Overall, I think this movie warrants a very high score: 8/10. I just hope Hugh Jackman isn’t dismayed by all of the negative comments and reviews. He is one of my favourite actors, and is certainly the best at what he does! Keep up the good work!
~Lansdowne5